Ethical practice is core to the work of WPA and the value it delivers to its members.  Accordingly, it is essential that its governance is unimpeachable.  WPA relies on multiple, complementary processes and checkpoints to maintain the highest standards of ethical practice and service.

The WPA is governed by a set of Statutes and By-Laws most recently amended and agreed at the last WPA World Congress of Psychiatry held in Vienna, in 2023.  The first statutes were created in 1950 under the auspices of the International Society for the Organisation of World Congresses.  Since that time, they have been reviewed, amended as needed and approved at the General Assembly Meetings held every third World Congress of Psychiatry.  They are next due for review and approval at the WPA World Congress of Psychiatry in 2026.

The Manual of Procedures complements the WPA Statutes and By-Laws by describing the procedures for the conduct of all regular activities of the World Psychiatric Association consistent with its constitutional mandate.  It helps ensure that all WPA activities are transparent and consistent. A practical tool for all WPA components, the Manual is continuously developed and updated – new activities will be developed within the WPA’s existing statutory framework, whilst procedures for regular and ongoing activities will be refined in the light of evolving experience. The ninth edition of the Manual of Procedures incorporates the amendments to the Statutes and By-Laws as agreed by the General Assembly held in Vienna in September 2023.